St. Paul daily globe., 1887-04-30
THE FARGO BUDGET.
Gas, Railroads, Saloons, Base Ball
and Other Things.

FARGO, April 29.-It is reported that
capitalists from Pennsylvania are eager to
undertake the work of boring for gas in the
vicinity of Fargo. evidently believing that
the indications point to similar results to
those found in their state. The city has
given the exclusive franchise for term of
years to the local company, and this may
sell out to the foreign company and lose
big thing for local parties in case the gas
is found in the quantity anticipated. The
board of trade. however, has become inter-
ested, and there is little doubt that the
work will be resumed and prosecuted rap
idly.
Surveyors are rapidly going over the new
line from Fargo and Moorhead to Wahpe-
ton, and it is said the road is to be con-
structed in time to move the next wheat
crop. 1t is understood that the Manitoba is
to build it. The road will run on the Da-
kota side of the Red river few miles north
OF Wahpeton, then cross into Minnesota
and come i'll on the east of MOorhead. This
will still further shorten the Manitoba's line
between st. Paul and Chicago, already
thirty miles shorter than any other.
The Duluth, Fargo & Black Hills rail-
road has secured little attention. as it has
been regarded as a franchise gotten up for
speculative purposes, but it has been given
out of late that capital has been secured to
construct 100 miles this season, from Fargo
in the direction of the Black Hills. The
city council has recently given it convenient
entrance to the city, and the right of way
is being secured. A few miles have also
been graded. 1t will run through some of
the finest agricultural regions of the north
and center, and be a valuable contributor
to the business of Fargo.
The movement to eXtirpate the saloon
under the local option law has been inaugu-
rated in the country districts. According to
the figures put forth there were seventy-three
Saloons in the county last year, each of which
pays the government $25 license. the cityS2O0
aud county $500. and must average a busi.;
ness efspSS. 600 year besides licenses, MAX
ing $27l, 925, over two-thirds of all other
taxation. On the other side figures
are also used, showing that the sev-
enty-three saloons would pay into the
local treasures S36. 500, and with the
breweries and wholesale houses, keep a
great deal of money in circulation at home.
1t is insisted that closing so many places
of business. most of them in Fargo,
would make hiatus that could
not be filled. But there is very little proba-
bility that the question will be submitted to
vote in Cass county this year. AS two
thirds of the voters live outside of Fargo it
is probable that a petition may be presented
to the county board containing the re-
quired 1,64S alleged voters; but the county
board is not regarded as friendly to prohi-
bition, and it will probably be impossible
to satisfy it that the petition contains the
names of 1,64s bona fide legal voters. The
law virtually makes it optional with the
county board, to submit or not submit the
question, as it prescribes no mode for them
to determine whether the petitioners are
voters or not.
The managers of various base ball teams
of the Red River valley have recently held
conferences in Fargo. and organized
diamond league, fully equipped, and with
capital of 81, $50. 1t will comprise clubs
at Grand Forks, Fargo, Grafton. Valley
City, WahpetOn, Fergus Falls and several
other towns. Another meeting is to be
held May to complete arrangements. 1t
is given out that the Northwestern league
team of st. Paul will play with each of the
teams during the summer.
Two directories of the Dual city, as Fargo
and Moorhead are designated, are in prepa-
ration. and between them it is believed
that much larger showing than ever
before will be made.
ApplcLOllSlOuS tudG Iilc COulllS DOOM
will strike the city too hard have abated of
late, and spirit Of "LeJ her come ~ is
taking defiant possession. especially of
those who are holding city lots for the good
time coming. Things seem to be moving
in the right direction. but an acceleration
of speed could be endured
The Fargo Savings bank, the only one in
Dakota has been fully organized; and, it
is stated, will open its doors May 10.
Col. Plummer came in out of the Gale
donia jungles this week in his temperance
panOphy, and was sent to South Dakota to
take part in the local option campaign. He
can make and disburse sonorous eloquence
on either side.
The new North side hotel has not quite
materialized yet, but the brickyard has.
AS men Outgrow smaller places they
come to Fargo. DR.. Scott, capitol COM
missioner. has come, and Hon. w. E.
Dodge, legislator, statesman and lawyer,
of the James is repOrted cOminu